In Their Own Words

An increasing number of Pitt undergraduates—like Rebecca, Breanna, Rachel, Matthew, Karen, Ellen, and Kaley—are adding certificates, minors, and sometimes second and even third majors to their college résumés. Let them tell you why and what they’ve gained.

Rebecca
Clements

Molecular Biology and Religious Studies

“I am very passionate about science and hope to get a PhD after completing my undergraduate education to do biomedical research. However, I have a wide range of interests and passions that would be neglected if I focused solely on natural science courses. Taking courses and interacting with professors and peers in the Department of Religious Studies allows me to expand outside of the field of biology and grants me a new perspective on a number of things. It allows me to follow my interests and to practice a different method of thinking.

“My religious studies major has had a huge impact on my life. I have been trained to enhance many skills, including creative thinking and writing. I am better able to look at ideas from multiple perspectives and to make connections between topics. I am more aware of why ethical practice is important and how knowledge of world religions can help a scientist to form her own ethical standards.”